Date:         Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:15:12 -0700
Reply-To:     Steve Williams <sbw@SBW.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Williams <sbw@SBW.ORG>
Subject:      Propane Sniffer (Was: Propex Install at Westy Ventures)
In-Reply-To:  <200908261248.n7QCmuM69046@sbw.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

About two years ago, I wrote here about the installation of my Propex
heater by Karl at Westy Ventures.

This summer, I noticed the heater wouldn't light, so I removed it and
sent it to Karl for repair under warranty.  He sent it back within a
few weeks, and I reinstalled it.

Then I wanted to test for leaks, so I bit the bullet and bought a
propane sniffer.  Here's what I wrote two years ago:

At 05:48 AM 8/26/2009, Steve Williams wrote:
>At 04:39 AM 8/26/2009, Richard Golen wrote:
>>When you are done, use some slightly diluted dishwashing liquid to
>>check for leaks.
>
>That's the traditional way.  That's how I tested the GoWesty cap.  (I
>never did get it to seal completely!)  Obviously not many Vanagons
>explode after using the traditional soapy water check.
>
>Karl uses an electronic tester, which is WAY more sensitive than
>soapy water.  Similar to this:
>
>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002VJ0DA/sbw/

I bought a less expensive tester, a TIF8800A:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000NPIYDC/sbw/

It's easy to use and seems to work well.  I tested the sniffer by
turning on the range burners for a moment.  It quickly sang out when
it smelled the propane and then quickly went back to background
clicking when I switched off the burners.  (I had a fan going, so the
propane dissipated quickly.)

Then I went around and sniffed at all of the propane fittings inside
and outside the camper.  It detected no leaks, which made me feel better.

I'll probably keep the sniffer in my Westy somewhere.  It doesn't
take up much space, and it's good for my peace of mind.  But, really,
I'll rarely use it, so I'd like to figure out a way to share it.  Do
folks on this list ever share equipment by mail?  I mean, I could
just sell the silly thing, but it hardly seems worth the trouble.